Visible index



April 21, 1931. G. H. DAWSON 1,801,804

VISIBLE INDEX Filed Sept. 24, 1 324 2 Sheets-:Sheet 1 April 21, 1931.

G. H. DAWSON 1,801,804

V VISIBLE INDEX Fild Sept. 24, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 WEE? Qeozyejawon enema Apr. 21 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GEORGE E. DAWSON, OF CAIBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR BY MESNE ASSIGN- MEN'TS, TO REMINGTON RAND INC., OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A. CORPORATION OF DELL.-

WARE

Q VISIBLE INDEX Application filed September 24, 1924. Serial F0. 739,482.

. This invention relates to a visible index which may be used for a ready telephone I r ct ry, name-and-address directory,f-or

for any other or ose.

The object 0 tbs inventionis to articulate a number of separate sli s or the liketoproduce a readily changeable directory which is so constructed that'an individual slip may expose one or more lines or spacs for receiving written or printed data and 'a frame or holder for supporting the index. 1 A

The invention comprises the novel structure and combinations hereinafter described and more particularly pointed out and defined in the appended claims;

In the accompan ing drawings which illustrate a preferre embodiment of this invention and in which similar reference numerals refer to similar features in the different views:

Figure 1 is a .broken elevational view of an index involving this invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged and broken elevational view of. one of the individual index sli s.

igure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view of a plurality of articulated index slips.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of a modifiedindex.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of a plurality of index slips.

Figure 6 is an elevational view of a metal holder for the index showing the same in contracted position.

Fi re 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 showing the index slips in expande position.

Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view substantially upon the line 8-8 of Figure 7 but showing only a sin is index slip.

Referring now to t e drawings which illustrate certain embodiments of this invention, it will be observed that I have illustrated a plurality of articulated index cards or slips supported in various ways.

Each slip 1 is preferabl made of thin, flexible cardboard or the li e, and each has its lateral edges notched adjacent its upper and lower margins to provide articulating tongues. 2 and 3. The notches which are of substantially V-shape preferably have their outer sides of less slope than the inner 'si desto provide more effective articulation. Offset from or beyond the longitudinal center line of each sl1p are a pair of triangular tongue-receiving apertures 4.. The bases of these triangular apertures are parallel to the vlateral edges of the card slips and their apices are outwardly directed and the inner corners are rounded to reduce their liability of tearing. Consequently when the tongues of one slip are inserted in the apertures of another slip, each tongue will engage one of the sloping sides of its aperture and will slide therealong until the apices of the notches are seated in the apices of the triangular apertures. In this way the slo ing sides of the apertures aid assemb 'ng. These apertures are also located adjacent the lateral margins of the sli s. They are offset from the center of sai slips to provide different-sized data spaces on opposite longitudinal margins of the slips. The

lar e data space should preferabl be a multipe of the small data space. T e sli s are preferably ruled as indicated at 1" an 1 in Figure 2, and the lines may be of various colors to provide streaks for a purpose that will later appear. In referring to Figure 2 it will be noted that the slips have a pair of parallel streaks 1 and 1"; of the card above the streak 1" represents one data space, while the part below the streak 1 represents a multiple of the other data space. The parallel=streaks l and 1 extend substantially in line with the inner corners of the apertures 4 to bring the lines adjacent the margin of an adjacent slip. The ruled lines or streaks, which are naturally of adifferent color than the slips, on account ,oftheir location will obscure the edges of the exposed margins of the'slips rendering the same substantially invisible so that the index has the appearance of a ruled sheet. In other words, the broken effect caused by the different slips will be eliminated.

In assembling or articulating these slips into a series, the tongues 2 or the tongue 3 the part are inserted in the apertures 4 of an adjaupon the size of the data space desired. The slips will readily flex for such a purpose, and the apices of the notches will fit or seat in the apices of the triangular apertures 4 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. When the tongues are partly inserted, the said apices of the notches will engage and slide up the lower oblique sides of the aperture, bringing about the result just mentioned. The slips will slightly overlap to form an imbricated interlocked series. When the tongues 2 are used for articulating the index sli s 1, a small data space will be presented. owever, when the tongues 3 are used for articulating the slips, an increased data space is provided. To change a slip from a single data space to an increased data space, it vis necessary to invert the slip, viz., assemble it bottom side up. In Figure 3, I have shown such an inverted slip which is designated as 1.

It will be evident that all the slips may be arranged to provide increased data space or only one or any number may be arranged to provide such increased spaces. And as it is possible to disconnect the index at any particular dpoint, a particular slip may be so arrange at any particular point or a new slip having a proper sized data space insorted, without disassembling the entire index to provide a pro er data space where it is foundthat a di erent data space is required.

To invert any slip in the articulated index, it may be disconnected from the slip thereabove whereby the index becomes divided into two sections. The said slip may then be {removed from the lower section and readily inverted and again articulated to the lower section and to the slip thereabove, or the slip articulated to the slip that is desired to invert, may be disconnected whereby the index becomes divided into two sections with the slip to be inverted forming the last one of the upper section. This slip may then be inverted and articulated to the lower and upper sections as is obvious. Further, the index slips may be reversed so that the backs may be used for index matter when the matter on the front face is obsolete or in error or for any other reason. When it is desired to substitute a new slip at any point, the index may be readily opened at such point and the old slip removed, and the new one inserted as above explained. If it is desired to add a slip at any point the index is also opened at such point and the cent slip, depending additional slip inserted.

The articulated index preferably includes a suitable mounting or holder. Such a holder may consist of a cardboard support 5 having upper and lower marginal lips 6 spaced a slight distance therefrom as shown in Figure 1.

Any suitable material maybe used to provide such lips. In the present instance, a transparent strip of celluloid has been stamped or pressed into the form of a narrow sheath or channel which may be slipped over opposite margins of the support; the rear flange secured thereto and the front flange serving as a retaining lip. The holder may be provided with an apertured lateral extension 7 as shown in Figure 1 whereby the same may be filed in a loose leaf book such as a ring book. The articulated index may then be termed a leaf for such book.

If desirable, the upper end of the articulated index may be fastened to the holder by staples 14 or the like passing thru the retaining lip as shown in Figure 1 which secures a stationary strip 5 permanently to the support 5. This retaining strip is provided with openings below the lip 6 similar to theopenings L in the strip 1. Or the lower end. of the index may be fastened to a holder 5 without the use of aretaining lip as shown'in Figure 4 and the, index may accordingly be built down from the top or up from the bottom and retained at its end by a retaining lip 6 as shown in Figure 1.

The articulated index may be readily mounted on the holder by a sidewise movement or by flexing the same to bring the margins beneath the lips 6. It will be noted that the tongues 2 and 3 are somewhat narrower than the sides of the triangular openings 4 so that a certain amount of looseness or play exists, whereby the "articulated index can be easily contracted or expanded to a certain extent. Therefore after it has been placed in the holder, it may be expanded to provide a proper fit in connection with the retaining lips.

In Figures 6 and 7, I have shown a metal holder 8 for retaining the articulated index. This holder has lateral overhanging flanges or lips 9 to protect the lateral margins of the index, a lower overhanging flange 10, and downturned lips 11, upon its upper end.

The articulated index may readily be assembled by inserting the same in the top of the metal holder and sliding the same down- ",matters and to protect the slips may be slipped over the upper margins thereof as shown in Figures 6 to 8.

It will be appreciated that this particular articulation of the index slips in which the apices of the notches rest in the apices of the tongue-receiving apertures is very effective in retaining the slips in assembled form range without departing from the principles of this invention, and I therefore do not purpose limiting the patent granted otherwise than necessitated by the prior. art.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a visible index, an index slip having upper and lower tongues and intermediate tongue-receiving apertures offset from the longitudinal center line of said slip.

2. In an articulated index, a series of index slips having upper and lower tongues and intermediate apertures adapted to coact with either the upper or lower tongues of another slip whereby any slip may be inserted in the series in inverted position.

3. In an articulated index, a plurality of index slips, each having a plurality of sets of tongues and a pair of intermediate apertures adapted for receiving either set of tongues of an adjacent slip. V

4;. In an articulated index, a plurallty of index slips articulated together to provide visible data spaces and means on each slip for articulating the same in inverted position to provide a different sized data space.

5. In an index, a plurality of index slips having articulating tongues and apertures, the tongues of one slip engaging the apertures of an adjacent slip, said tongues being smaller than said apertures whereby said index may be expanded or contracted.

6. In an index, a plurality of index slips having lateral notches providing tongues, and triangular apertures, each aperture having one of the apices directed outwardly toward the adjacent lateral edge of the slip; the tongues of one slip extending into the apertures of an adjacent slip and the apices of said notches fitting the outer apices of said apertures.

7. In an index, a series of slips, each slip having a substantially V-shaped notch in each lateral edge forming a. pair of lateral tongues with a horizontal edge of the slip, each slip having also a pair of apertures with an ular edges in each aperture directed outwar ly toward the adjacent lateral edge of the slip to form an outer apex, the tongues of one slip fitting in the apertures of an adjacent slip with the apex of each notch seated in the outer edge of its confining aperture for articulating the slips together.

8. In a visible index, a series of index cards, each card having a notch provided with a bevelled side in each lateral edge, and a pair of apertures, having angular sides terminating in lateral apices, said notches providing tongues adjacent one horizontal edge of the slip for engaging the apertures in'an adjacent slip for articulating the cards together with the angle formed by each notch engaging the apex of the aperture in which it is articulated.

9. In a visible index, a seriesof index cards, each card having a V-shaped cleft in each lateral edge spaced a short distance from a horizontal edge whereby articulating tongues are formed, each card having also ,a

pair of apertures for receiving the tongues of an adjoining card, said apertures having enlarged entrance portions and angular centering seats for the apices of said notches.

10. In a visible index, a series of index cards, each card having a pair of lateral tongues and a pair of intermediate apertures for receiving the tongues of an adjacent card for articulating the cards together, each aperture having a sloping side and a centering seat at the end of the sloping side.

11. In an articulated index, a slip having two sets of articulating tongues and intermediate tongue receiving apertures and spaced ruled lines defining data spaces between the margins of said slips and said lines. j

12. In an articulated index, a slip having a pair of articulating tongues on each lateral margin and apertures to receive a pair of tongues of an adjacent slip, and having ruled lines differently s aced from the longitudinal edges thereof or defining different sized data spaces between said edges and said lines. 1

13. In a visible index, a series of articulated index slips in overlapping relation providing exposed margins on the slips, each slip having a line closely adjacent the exposed edge of the adjoining slip for obscuring said exposed edge.

14. In a visible index, a series of articulated index slips arranged in overlapping relation to provide exposed margins on the slips, each slip having a line of diiferent color than the'slipextending along the edge of the exposed margin of an adjoining slip to obscure such exposed edge for rendering the same substantially invisible.

15. An article of manufacture comprising an index slip having lateral V-shaped clefts near the upper longitudinal edge and angular apertures below said clefts, the outer limits of said apertures being substantially vertically below the apices'of the respective clefts and a longitudinal streak of different color extending adjacent said a ertures, for rendering the exposed edge of t e adjacent slip substantially invisible.

I um

ing it to the adjacent slips.

16. In an index, a holder, a series of articulated index sli s fastened to one end of the holder and a 1p for removably confining the other end of the series to such holder..

17. In an index, a holder having'over hanging lips upon a pair of opposed marins, and t ereon having said series being adapted tor contraction and expansion for the insertion of one end under the lip.

18. An index comprising a holder having retaining means and a series of articulated index slips retained thereon, said series of slips being adapted for contraction and {expansion with regpect to the retaining means,

19. In an in e strip on the holder, a series of index "slips articulated at one end to said retaining strip, each slip having means for articulatted for at 20. In an index a leaf ada Itachment in a boolr, a series 0 articulated sli s removably articulated to the first slip v and supported by an i to each other, each slip havin upper and lower articulating tongues an intermediate apertures whereby any slip may be inserted in the series in inverted position.

23. In an index, a support sheet, and a series of articulated index slips secured to said support sheet atone end of said series, the other end of said series being also attached to said sup ort sheet, the intermediate portion of 'sai series of slips being free from said support sheet.

24. In an index, a holder, a transparent" sheath secured to one margin of said holder, and an imbricated series of interlocking index slips having one end of said series confined in said sheath.

25. In an index, a holder, an imbricated series of interlocking index slips, and means fixed adjacent one margin of said holder and adapted to engage an end slip of said series of slips so as to attach said series to said holder.

26. In an index, a leaf adapted to be hingedly attached to a book and having retaining means, and a series of articulated index slips having opposite ends attached to said retaining means, said slips having a series of articulated indexslipsfl opposed ends under said lips,-

x, a holder, a retaining" Leon-cos overlapping margins substantially perpendicular to the hinge line of said leaf.

27. A. list strip of suitable material, all

parts of which lie in the same plane and.

which strip is provided along its lateral margins with spaced cut outs forming tongues, all parts of which to es lie in the common plane of therest 0 the strip said strip being also provided inwardly 0% its lateral margins and in spaced longitudinal relation with respect to the tongues with holes cut through the stri to leave the o posite faces of the strip in the vicinity of t e holesflat and in the common the rest of the strip, and a line printed on the faceof each strip and extending transverselyfacroissithe same and running parallel t' tl eupp'e'r and lower edges of the strip to saw what portion of the strip will be overlapped bythe'next strip when a plurality of such strips are assembled.

.28. A display device embodying a plurality of fiat-units, all parts of each of which'lie in the same plane and each of which is provided adjacent both of its lateral margins and one of its transverse edges with openings and is also provided adjacent both of its lateral margins and the other of its transverse edges with tongues so positioned with respect to the openings that the tongues of one unit may be passed through the openings of another unit to maintain said units in partially overlapped assembled relation, and means associated with each unit to show, prior to assembly, that ortion of the face of each unit which will concealed when the units are in assembled relation.

29. In a display device, a plurality of substantially rectangular cardboard stri s all parts of each of which are fiat and lie in the same plane and each of which is provided adjacent both of its lateral margins and one of its transverseedges with holes cut through the strip to leave all parts of the strip in the vicinity of the holes flat and in the common plane of the rest of the strip, each unit being further provided adjacent both of its lateral margins, and the other of its transverse edges with tongues cut from the body of the strip and wholly lying in the same plane as the rest of the strip and so positioned with respect to the said holes that the ton ues of one strip may be passed through the oles of another strip to maintain said strips in artially overlapped relation with parts 0 the respective strips in slightly bent condition, and a line delineated on each strip to show, prior to assembly, what portion of the strlp will be covered and concealed when the strips are assembled.

30. A flat strip of cardboard of rectangular contour provided adjacent its two upper plane of ners with cut-outs which orn lower corners into laterally extending t nanesrrth ba ese sitioned the" same alntan are P istance apart as the ge will show what p qqxic aledaathen are assembled by ins erting thq one strip into the holes of th strip.

31. A holder sheet for an index comprising a sheet of flexible material having a card supporting rt-io and an integral in ew i' iqn $121. i ..r tions in tli mar M or i'eceiving the retaining members of a loose leaf book, and a transparent sheath extendin around and secured on a margin of the card supporting portion adjacent the extension, said sheath extending the length of said margin of the card supporting portion and v terminating at the marginal extension, said sheath protecting said margin and adapted to resiliently receive a marginal portion of an index card to retain the card on the supporting portion.

32. In an index device, a strip havin interlocking means on opposite margina portions and cooperating means intermediate said marginal portions unequally spaced from each of said marginal portions, said interlocking means being independently adapted to detachably interlock with the cooperating means on a similar strip to form a series or chain of strips with overlapping edges in visible index relation, one of said interlocking means supporting said strips with a Wider visible margin than the other.

33. In an index, a holder sheet comprising a sheet of flexible material having a supporting portion and an integral marginal extension for receiving the retaining members of a loose leaf book, and a transparent sheath on each margin of the supporting portion adjacent the extension, each sheath extending around and secured to its respective margin, and an imbricated series of connected slips superimposed on the supporting portion, the ends of said series being received and retained by the sheaths.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name.

GEORGE H. DAWSON.

CERTIFICATE or CORRECTION. Patent No. 1,801,804. Granted April 21, 1931, to

GEORGE 11. DAWSON.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 1, line 100, for the word "tongue" read tongues; page 3, line 64, claim 7, for "edge" read apex; and that the said LettersiPatent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 9th day of Jane, A. D. 1931.

' i M. J. Moore, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

